Device and method for delivering an ingestible medicament into the gastrointestinal tract of a user

ABSTRACT

Devices and methods for delivering an ingestible medicament of a medicament tablet into the gastrointestinal tract of a user. A device according to the invention includes a vibrating ingestible capsule and a hollow medicament compartment housing. The vibrating capsule includes a housing, a vibrating agitator disposed within the housing, a power supply, and a control element. The hollow medicament compartment housing is associated with the housing of the capsule and includes at least one aperture. The hollow of the medicament compartment housing is configured to have the medicament tablet disposed therein. The aperture(s) are dimensioned to enable fluid communication the surrounding environment and the hollow.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application gains priority from GB Patent Application Number 1900082.7 filed Jan. 3, 2019 and entitled DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING AN INGESTIBLE MEDICAMENT INTO THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF A USER, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to devices and methods for delivery of an ingestible medicament into the body of a user, and specifically to devices and methods for such delivery of an ingestible medicament which include a vibrating capsule.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device for delivering an ingestible medicament of a medicament tablet into the gastrointestinal tract of a user, the device including:

a vibrating ingestible capsule including:

-   -   a housing;     -   a vibrating agitator disposed within the housing and adapted         such that, in a vibration mode of operation, the housing exerts         vibrations on an environment surrounding the vibrating         gastrointestinal capsule;     -   a power supply disposed within the housing and adapted to power         the vibrating agitator; and     -   a control element adapted to activate the vibrating agitator to         be operative in the vibration mode of operation; and

a hollow medicament compartment housing, associated with the housing, and having at least one aperture formed in the medicament compartment housing,

wherein a hollow of the medicament compartment housing is dimensioned and configured to have the medicament tablet disposed therein, and

wherein the at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured to enable fluid communication between an environment surrounding the medicament compartment housing and the hollow.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured such that, when the medicament tablet is disposed within the hollow and the device is in the gastrointestinal tract of the user, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet enters the environment surrounding the medicament compartment housing for delivery thereof to the body of the user.

In some embodiments, at least one vibration parameter of the vibrating ingestible capsule is set so as to promote absorption of the ingestible medicament into the bloodstream of the user. In some embodiments, the at least one vibration parameter includes at least one of a vibration frequency, a cumulative vibration duration, a number of vibration cycles per time unit, a duration of a vibration duration within a vibration cycle, a duration of a repose duration within a vibration cycle, a total duration of a single vibration cycle, and a net force exerted by the housing on the environment.

In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one biasing mechanism adapted, when the medicament tablet is disposed within the hollow of the medicament compartment housing, to bias the medicament tablet toward the housing.

In some embodiments, the at least one biasing mechanism includes at least one longitudinal biasing mechanism adapted to bias the medicament tablet by application of pressure along a longitudinal axis of the medicament tablet. In some embodiments, the at least one biasing mechanism includes at least one radial biasing mechanism adapted to bias the medicament tablet by application of radial pressure along a perimeter of the medicament tablet.

In some embodiments, the housing of the vibrating ingestible capsule includes an attachment mechanism and the medicament compartment housing includes a corresponding attachment mechanism, for mutual attachment of the vibrating ingestible capsule to the hollow medicament compartment housing.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to control a timing or activation delay of the vibration mode of operation such that the vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within at least one of an estimated absorption time period and an actual absorption time period of the ingestible medicament released from the medicament tablet within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to activate the vibrating agitator to be operative in the vibration mode of operation in response to receipt of an activation input.

In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one sensor adapted to provide the activation input to the control element. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor forms part of the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes an illumination sensor, adapted to provide an input indicating transition of the device from an illuminated environment to a dark environment.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a pressure sensor, adapted to provide an input indicating pressure applied to the device, which pressure is indicative of the device moving through a pharynx of the user.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor, adapted to provide an input indicating transition of the device from an area with ambient temperature to an area with a human body temperature.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes an accelerometer, adapted to provide an input in response to a detected activation motion carried out with the device.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a moisture sensor, adapted to provide an input indicating transition of the device from a dry environment to a humid environment.

In some embodiments, the device is functionally associated with a control unit remote from the device, and wherein the control element is adapted to receive the activation input from the control unit.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to receive the activation input following ingesting of the device.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to receive the activation input prior to ingesting of the device.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to receive the activation input by receiving a vibration protocol to be used by the control element to control operation of the vibrating agitator.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator includes at least a radial agitator adapted, in the vibration mode of operation, to exert radial forces on the housing, in a radial direction with respect to a or the longitudinal axis of the housing, thereby to cause the vibrations exerted by the housing.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator includes at least an axial agitator adapted, in the vibration mode of operation, to exert axial forces on the housing, in an axial direction with respect to a or the longitudinal axis of the housing, thereby to cause the vibrations exerted by the housing.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator includes a radial agitator adapted, in the vibration mode of operation, to exert radial forces on the housing, in a radial direction with respect to a or the longitudinal axis of the housing, and a separate axial agitator adapted, in the vibration mode of operation, to exert axial forces on the housing, in an axial direction with respect to a or the longitudinal axis of the housing.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator includes a single agitator adapted, in the vibration mode of operation, to exert radial forces on the housing in a radial direction with respect to a or the longitudinal axis of the housing, and to exert axial forces on the housing, in an axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to control the vibrating agitator such that the vibrating mode of operation includes a plurality of cycles, each of the cycles including a vibration duration followed by a repose duration, wherein the housing exerts the vibrations during the vibration duration.

In some embodiments, the repose duration is greater than the vibration duration.

In some embodiments, the vibration duration is in the range of 0.1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 9 seconds, 2 seconds to 9 seconds, 3 seconds to 9 seconds, 3 seconds to 8 seconds, 3 seconds to 7 seconds, 3 seconds to 6 seconds, 4 seconds to 6 seconds, or 5 seconds to 6 seconds.

In some embodiments, the repose duration is in the range of 1 second to 180 seconds, 3 seconds to 180 seconds, 5 seconds to 180 seconds, 5 seconds to 150 seconds, 5 seconds to 120 seconds, 8 seconds to 100 seconds, 8 seconds to 30 seconds, 10 seconds to 80 seconds, 10 seconds to 70 seconds, 10 seconds to 60 seconds, 10 seconds to 50 seconds, 10 seconds to 40 seconds, 10 seconds to 30 seconds, 10 seconds to 20 seconds, or 15 seconds to 20 seconds.

In some embodiments, a duration of each of the plurality of cycles is in the range of 1.1 seconds to 200 seconds, 5 seconds to 200 seconds, 10 seconds to 200 seconds, 10 seconds to 150 seconds, 10 seconds to 100 seconds, 10 seconds to 80 seconds, 10 seconds to 50 seconds, 10 seconds to 40 seconds, 10 seconds to 30 seconds, 15 seconds to 50 seconds, 15 seconds to 40 seconds, 15 seconds to 30 seconds, or 15 seconds to 25 seconds.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to control the vibrating agitator such that a cumulative duration of the vibrating mode of operation is in the range of 1 hour to 12 hours, 2 hours to 10 hours, 2 hours to 8 hours, 2 hours to 6 hours, 2 hours to 4 hours, or 2 hours to 3 hours.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator is configured to exert forces on the housing of the vibrating ingestible capsule, such that a net force exerted by the housing on the environment thereof is in the range of 50 grams force (gf) to 600 gf, 50 gf to 550 gf, 100 gf to 550 gf, 100 gf to 500 gf, 150 gf to 500 gf, 200 gf to 500 gf, or 200 gf to 450 gf.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator is configured to exert the forces on the housing to attain a housing vibrational frequency within a range of 10 Hz to 650 Hz, 15 Hz to 600 Hz, 20 Hz to 550 Hz, 30 Hz to 550 Hz, 50 Hz to 500 Hz, 70 Hz to 500 Hz, 100 Hz to 500 Hz, 130 Hz to 500 Hz, or 150 Hz to 500 Hz.

In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing is at least partially attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule. In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing is attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule. In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing is fixedly attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing is attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule by snap fit engagement. In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing is attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule by threaded engagement. In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing is attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule by adhering. In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing is attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule by soldering.

In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing at least partially envelops the vibrating ingestible capsule. In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing fully envelops the vibrating ingestible capsule. In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing includes a hollow capsule including the at least one aperture, having the vibrating ingestible capsule disposed therein.

In some embodiments, the hollow of the medicament compartment housing has a volume in the range of 200 mm³ to 800 mm³, 300 mm³ to 700 mm³, or 400 mm³ to 600 mm³.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured such that the medicament tablet, while whole, cannot be removed from the hollow.

In some embodiments, wherein the at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured to enable insertion of the medicament tablet, via the at least one aperture, into the hollow.

In some embodiments, in use, the at least one biasing mechanism is adapted to continue biasing the medicament tablet toward the housing, while the ingestible medicament from the medicament tablet is delivered to the environment surrounding the hollow.

In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing is biodegradable. the medicament compartment housing is digestible by the gastrointestinal tract of the user. In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing is flexible.

In some embodiments, an exterior contour of at least a portion of the housing is adapted to match an exterior contour of the medicament tablet. In some embodiments, the exterior contour of at least a portion of the housing is concave.

In some embodiments, the at least one biasing mechanism includes at least one pre-loaded compression spring. In some embodiments, the at least one biasing mechanism includes at least one flexible and resilient leaf.

In some embodiments, the device further includes the medicament tablet including the ingestible medicament.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a diameter of up to 5 mm, up to 6 mm, up to 7 mm, up to 8 mm, or up to 9 mm.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a maximal dimension of up to 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a volume of up to 100 mm³, up to 150 mm³, up to 200 mm³, up to 250 mm³, or up to 300 mm³.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a height of up to 3 mm, up to 4 mm, or up to 5 mm.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet is absorbable in the stomach of the user. In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet is absorbable in the small intestine of the user.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet is suitable for treatment of one or more symptom or disease, selected from the group consisting of: Parkinsonism; Parkinson's Disease; progressive supranuclear palsy; corticobasal degeneration; multiple system atrophy; Parkinson-plus syndromes; any neurodegenerative disease in which the subject exhibits at least one, at least two, or at least three of the classical features of Parkinson's disease: tremor, postural instability, and akinesia or bradykesia; any neurodegenerative disease in which the subject positively responds to a dopaminergic treatment; any neurodegenerative disease in which the particular subject positively responds to an anticholinergic treatment; Constipation; Crohn's disease; Gastroparesis; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); diarrhea or loose bowel movements; colitis; Hirschsprung's disease; Dyspepsia; and dysphagia.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet includes or includes an ingestible medicament selected from the group consisting of: levodopa; at least one dopaminergic agent; at least one catecholamine precursor; a dopamine precursor; at least one dopamine precursor agent; (L)-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine; N-methyl-N-(2-propynyl)-2-methyl-1-phenylethyl-2-amine; tyrosine hydroxylase; apomorphine; at least one anticholinergic agent; at least one agent selected to antagonize at least one cholinergic receptor; benzhexol; orphenadrine; at least one selective allosteric potentiator of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4); N-phenyl-7-(hydroxylimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxamide; at least one osmotic agent; magnesium citrate; magnesium hydroxide; polyethylene glycol; sodium phosphate; MiraLAX®; Polyethylene Glycol 3350; at least one contraction stimulating agent; bisacodyl; senna; Correctol®; Ducodyl; Dulcolax®; Senexon®; docusate sodium; Senokot®; senna glycoside; at least one stool softening agent; docusate sodium; Colace®; Linaclotide; Lactulose; lubiprostone; plecanatide; prucalopride; loperamide; and bismuth subsalicylate.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of delivering an ingestible medicament into a gastrointestinal tract of a user, the method including:

providing to the user the device as described hereinabove, for ingestion by the user;

following the user ingesting the device, controlling the vibrating ingestible capsule such that the vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within at least one of an estimated absorption time period and an actual absorption time period of the ingestible medicament within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of delivering an ingestible medicament into a gastrointestinal tract of a user, the method including:

providing to the user the device as described herein;

inserting into the hollow of the medicament compartment housing the medicament tablet; and

following the user ingesting the device having the medicament tablet disposed in the hollow, controlling the vibrating ingestible capsule such that the vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within at least one of an estimated absorption time period and an actual absorption time period of the ingestible medicament within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hollow medicament delivery compartment adapted to be associated with a vibrating ingestible capsule for delivery of an ingestible medicament of a medicament tablet into the gastrointestinal tract of a user, the hollow medicament delivery compartment being dimensioned and configured to have the medicament tablet disposed therein, and including at least one aperture formed in the hollow medicament delivery compartment,

wherein the at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured to enable fluid communication between an environment surrounding the hollow medicament delivery compartment.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured such that, when the medicament tablet is disposed within the hollow and the hollow medicament delivery compartment is in the gastrointestinal tract of the user, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet enters the environment surrounding the hollow medicament delivery compartment for delivery thereof to the body of the user.

In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment further includes at least one biasing mechanism adapted, when the medicament tablet is disposed within the hollow of the hollow medicament delivery compartment, to bias the medicament tablet toward the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the at least one biasing mechanism includes at least one longitudinal biasing mechanism adapted to bias the medicament tablet by application of pressure along a longitudinal axis of the medicament tablet. In some embodiments, the at least one biasing mechanism includes at least one radial biasing mechanism adapted to bias the medicament tablet by application of radial pressure along a perimeter of the medicament tablet.

In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment includes an attachment mechanism for mutual attachment to a corresponding attachment mechanism of the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is adapted to be at least partially attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule. In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is adapted to be attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule. In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is adapted to be fixedly attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is adapted to be attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule by snap fit engagement. In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is adapted to be attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule by threaded engagement. In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is adapted to be attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule by adhering. In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is adapted to be attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule by soldering.

In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is adapted to at least partially envelop the vibrating ingestible capsule. In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is adapted to fully envelop the vibrating ingestible capsule. In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment includes a hollow capsule including the at least one aperture, having the vibrating ingestible capsule disposed therein.

In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment has a volume in the range of 200 mm³ to 800 mm³, 300 mm³ to 700 mm³, 400 mm³ to 600 mm³, or 500 mm³.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured such that when the hollow medicament delivery compartment is attached to the vibrating ingestible capsule, the medicament tablet, while whole, cannot be removed from the hollow medicament delivery compartment.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured to enable insertion of the medicament tablet, via the at least one aperture, into the hollow medicament delivery compartment.

In some embodiments, in use within the gastrointestinal tract of the user, the biasing mechanism is adapted to continue biasing the medicament tablet toward the ingestible vibrating capsule, while the ingestible medicament from the medicament tablet is delivered to the environment surrounding the hollow medicament delivery compartment.

In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is biodegradable. In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is digestible by the gastrointestinal tract of the user. In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment is flexible.

In some embodiments, the at least one biasing mechanism includes at least one pre-loaded compression spring. In some embodiments, the at least one biasing mechanism includes at least one flexible and resilient leaf.

In some embodiments, the hollow medicament delivery compartment further includes the medicament tablet including the medicament disposed within the hollow medicament delivery compartment.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a diameter of up to 5 mm, up to 6 mm, up to 7 mm, up to 8 mm, or up to 9 mm.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a maximal dimension of up to 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a volume of 100 mm³, up to 150 mm³, up to 200 mm³, up to 250 mm³, or up to 300 mm³.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a height of up to 3 mm, up to 4 mm, or up to 5 mm.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet is absorbable in the stomach of the user. In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet is absorbable in the small intestine of the user.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet is suitable for treatment of one or more symptom or disease, selected from the group consisting of: Parkinsonism; Parkinson's Disease; progressive supranuclear palsy; corticobasal degeneration; multiple system atrophy; Parkinson-plus syndromes; any neurodegenerative disease in which the subject exhibits at least one, at least two, or at least three of the classical features of Parkinson's disease: tremor, postural instability, and akinesia or bradykesia; any neurodegenerative disease in which the subject positively responds to a dopaminergic treatment; any neurodegenerative disease in which the particular subject positively responds to an anticholinergic treatment; Constipation; Crohn's disease; Gastroparesis; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); diarrhea or loose bowel movements; colitis; Hirschsprung's disease; Dyspepsia; and dysphagia.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet includes or includes an ingestible medicament selected from the group consisting of: Levodopa; at least one dopaminergic agent; at least one catecholamine precursor; a dopamine precursor; at least one dopamine precursor agent; (L)-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine; N-methyl-N-(2-propynyl)-2-methyl-1-phenylethyl-2-amine; tyrosine hydroxylase; apomorphine; at least one anticholinergic agent; at least one agent selected to antagonize at least one cholinergic receptor; benzhexol; orphenadrine; at least one selective allosteric potentiator of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4); N-phenyl-7-(hydroxylimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxamide; at least one osmotic agent; magnesium citrate; magnesium hydroxide; polyethylene glycol; sodium phosphate; MiraLAX®; at least one contraction stimulating agent; bisacodyl; senna; Correctol; Ducodyl; Dulcolax; Senexon; Senokot; at least one stool softening agent; docusate sodium; Colace; Linaclotide; Lactulose; Lubiprostone; Plecanatide; Prucaltride; Loperamide; and bismuth subsalicylate.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vibrating ingestible capsule adapted to be associated with a hollow medicament delivery compartment for delivering an ingestible medicament of a medicament tablet into the gastrointestinal tract of a user, the vibrating ingestible capsule including:

a housing including an attachment mechanism adapted for mutual attachment to a corresponding attachment mechanism of the hollow medicament delivery compartment;

a vibrating agitator disposed within the housing and adapted such that, in a vibration mode of operation, the housing exerts vibrations on an environment surrounding the vibrating gastrointestinal capsule;

a power supply disposed within the housing and adapted to power the vibrating agitator; and

a control element adapted to activate the vibrating agitator to be operative in the vibration mode of operation,

wherein at least one vibration parameter of the vibrating agitator is set so as to promote absorption of the ingestible medicament into the bloodstream of the user.

In some embodiments, the at least one vibration parameter includes at least one of a vibration frequency, a cumulative vibration duration, a number of vibration cycles per time unit, a duration of a vibration duration within a vibration cycle, a duration of a repose duration within a vibration cycle, a total duration of a single vibration cycle, and a net force exerted by the housing on the environment.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to control a timing or activation delay of the vibration mode of operation such that the vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within at least one of an estimated absorption time period and an actual absorption time period of medicament released from the medicament tablet within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to activate the vibrating agitator to be operative in the vibration mode of operation in response to receipt of an activation input.

In some embodiments, the vibrating ingestible capsule further includes at least one sensor adapted to provide the activation input to the control element. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor forms part of the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes an illumination sensor, adapted to provide an input indicating transition of the vibrating ingestible capsule from an illuminated environment to a dark environment.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a pressure sensor, adapted to provide an input indicating pressure applied to the vibrating ingestible capsule, which pressure is indicative of the vibrating ingestible capsule moving through a pharynx of the user.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor, adapted to provide an input indicating transition of the vibrating ingestible capsule from an area with ambient temperature to an area with a human body temperature.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes an accelerometer, adapted to provide an input in response to a detected activation motion carried out with the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a moisture sensor, adapted to provide an input indicating transition of the vibrating ingestible capsule from a dry environment to a humid environment.

In some embodiments, the vibrating ingestible capsule is functionally associated with a control unit remote from the vibrating ingestible capsule, and wherein the control element is adapted to receive the activation input from the control unit.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to receive the activation input following ingesting of the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to receive the activation input prior to ingesting of the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to receive the activation input by receiving a vibration protocol to be used by the control element to control operation of the vibrating agitator.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator includes at least a radial agitator adapted, in the vibration mode of operation, to exert radial forces on the housing, in a radial direction with respect to a or the longitudinal axis of the housing, thereby to cause the vibrations exerted by the housing.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator includes at least an axial agitator adapted, in the vibration mode of operation, to exert axial forces on the housing, in an axial direction with respect to a or the longitudinal axis of the housing, thereby to cause the vibrations exerted by the housing.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator includes a radial agitator adapted, in the vibration mode of operation, to exert radial forces on the housing, in a radial direction with respect to a or the longitudinal axis of the housing, and a separate axial agitator adapted, in the vibration mode of operation, to exert axial forces on the housing, in an axial direction with respect to a or the longitudinal axis of the housing.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator includes a single agitator adapted, in the vibration mode of operation, to exert radial forces on the housing in a radial direction with respect to a or the longitudinal axis of the housing, and to exert axial forces on the housing, in an axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to control the vibrating agitator such that the vibrating mode of operation includes a plurality of cycles, each of the cycles including a vibration duration followed by a repose duration, wherein the housing exerts the vibrations during the vibration duration.

In some embodiments, the repose duration is greater than the vibration duration.

In some embodiments, the vibration duration is in the range of 0.1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 9 seconds, 2 seconds to 9 seconds, 3 seconds to 9 seconds, 3 seconds to 8 seconds, 3 seconds to 7 seconds, 3 seconds to 6 seconds, 4 seconds to 6 seconds, or 5 seconds to 6 seconds.

In some embodiments, the repose duration is in the range of 1 second to 180 seconds, 3 seconds to 180 seconds, 5 seconds to 180 seconds, 5 seconds to 150 seconds, 5 seconds to 120 seconds, 8 seconds to 100 seconds, 8 seconds to 30 seconds, 10 seconds to 80 seconds, 10 seconds to 70 seconds, 10 seconds to 60 seconds, 10 seconds to 50 seconds, 10 seconds to 40 seconds, 10 seconds to 30 seconds, 10 seconds to 20 seconds, or 15 seconds to 20 seconds.

In some embodiments, a duration of each of the plurality of cycles is in the range of 1.1 seconds to 200 seconds, 5 seconds to 200 seconds, 10 seconds to 200 seconds, 10 seconds to 150 seconds, 10 seconds to 100 seconds, 10 seconds to 80 seconds, 10 seconds to 50 seconds, 10 seconds to 40 seconds, 10 seconds to 30 seconds, 15 seconds to 50 seconds, 15 seconds to 40 seconds, 15 seconds to 30 seconds, or 15 seconds to 25 seconds.

In some embodiments, the control element is adapted to control the vibrating agitator such that a cumulative duration of the vibrating mode of operation is in the range of 1 hour to 12 hours, 2 hours to 10 hours, 2 hours to 8 hours, 2 hours to 6 hours, 2 hours to 4 hours, or 2 hours to 3 hours.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator is configured to exert forces on the housing of the vibrating ingestible capsule, such that a net force exerted by the housing on the environment thereof is in the range of 50 grams force (gf) to 600 gf, 50 gf to 550 gf, 100 gf to 550 gf, 100 gf to 500 gf, 150 gf to 500 gf, 200 gf to 500 gf, or 200 gf to 450 gf.

In some embodiments, the vibrating agitator is configured to exert the forces on the housing to attain a housing vibrational frequency within a range of 10 Hz to 650 Hz, 15 Hz to 600 Hz, 20 Hz to 550 Hz, 30 Hz to 550 Hz, 50 Hz to 500 Hz, 70 Hz to 500 Hz, 100 Hz to 500 Hz, 130 Hz to 500 Hz, or 150 Hz to 500 Hz.

In some embodiments, the housing is adapted to be at least partially attached to the hollow medicament delivery compartment. In some embodiments, the housing is adapted to be attached to the hollow medicament delivery compartment. In some embodiments, the housing is adapted to be fixedly attached to the hollow medicament delivery compartment.

In some embodiments, the housing is adapted to be attached to the hollow medicament delivery compartment by snap fit engagement. In some embodiments, the housing is adapted to be attached to the hollow medicament delivery compartment by threaded engagement. In some embodiments, the housing is adapted to be attached to the hollow medicament delivery compartment by adhering. In some embodiments, the housing is adapted to be attached to the hollow medicament delivery compartment by soldering.

In some embodiments, the housing is adapted to be at least partially enveloped by the hollow medicament delivery compartment. In some embodiments, the housing is adapted to be fully enveloped by the hollow medicament delivery compartment.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for delivering an ingestible medicament of a medicament tablet into the gastrointestinal tract of a user, the method including:

providing a vibrating ingestible capsule including:

-   -   a housing;     -   a vibrating agitator disposed within the housing and adapted         such that, in a vibration mode of operation, the housing exerts         vibrations on an environment surrounding the vibrating         gastrointestinal capsule;     -   a power supply disposed within the housing and adapted to power         the vibrating agitator; and     -   a control element adapted to activate the vibrating agitator to         be operative in the vibration mode of operation; and

associating a hollow medicament compartment housing with the housing, the hollow medicament compartment having at least one aperture formed therein;

inserting the medicament tablet into the hollow medicament compartment housing;

ingesting an assembly of the vibrating ingestible capsule, the hollow medicament compartment housing, and the medicament tablet by the user; and

following the user ingesting the assembly, controlling the vibrating ingestible capsule such that the vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within at least one of an estimated absorption time period and an actual absorption time period of the ingestible medicament within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.

In some embodiments, controlling the vibrating ingestible capsule includes setting at least one vibration parameter of the vibrating ingestible capsule so as to promote absorption of the ingestible medicament into the bloodstream of the user. In some embodiments, setting the at least one vibration parameter includes setting at least one of a vibration frequency, a cumulative vibration duration, a number of vibration cycles per time unit, a duration of a vibration duration within a vibration cycle, a duration of a repose duration within a vibration cycle, a total duration of a single vibration cycle, and a net force exerted by the housing on the environment.

In some embodiments, the method further includes, following the inserting the medicament tablet, biasing the medicament tablet toward the housing of the vibrating ingestible capsule. In some embodiments, biasing includes biasing the medicament tablet by application of pressure along a longitudinal axis of the medicament tablet. In some embodiments, biasing includes biasing the medicament tablet by application of radial pressure along a perimeter of the medicament tablet.

In some embodiments, the housing of the vibrating ingestible capsule includes an attachment mechanism, the hollow medicament compartment housing includes a corresponding attachment mechanism, and the associating includes mutually attaching the vibrating ingestible capsule to the hollow medicament compartment housing.

In some embodiments, controlling includes controlling a timing or activation delay of the vibration mode of operation such that the vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within at least one of an estimated absorption time period and an actual absorption time period of an ingestible medicament released from the medicament tablet within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.

In some embodiments, the method further including, prior to the controlling, at the control element receiving an activation input, and the controlling includes activating the vibrating agitator to be operative in the vibration mode of operation following the receiving the activation input.

In some embodiments, receiving the activation input includes receiving the activation input from at least one sensor.

In some embodiments, receiving the activation input includes receiving, from an illumination sensor, an input indicating transition of the assembly from an illuminated environment to a dark environment.

In some embodiments, receiving the activation input includes receiving, from a pressure sensor, an input indicating pressure applied to the assembly, which pressure is indicative of the assembly moving through a pharynx of the user.

In some embodiments, receiving the activation input includes receiving, from a temperature sensor, an input indicating transition of the assembly from an area with ambient temperature to an area with a human body temperature.

In some embodiments, receiving the activation input includes receiving, from an accelerometer, an input in response to a detected activation motion carried out with the assembly.

In some embodiments, receiving the activation input includes receiving, from a moisture sensor, an input indicating transition of the assembly from a dry environment to a humid environment.

In some embodiments, receiving the activation input includes receiving the activation input from a control unit remote from the assembly and functionally associated with the control element.

In some embodiments, receiving the activation input occurs following the ingesting of the assembly.

In some embodiments, receiving the activation input occurs prior to the ingesting of the assembly.

In some embodiments, receiving the activation input includes receiving a vibration protocol to be used by the control element for the controlling operation of the vibrating agitator.

In some embodiments, controlling the vibrating agitator includes controlling the vibrating agitator such that the vibrating mode of operation includes a plurality of cycles, each of the cycles including a vibration duration followed by a repose duration, wherein the housing exerts the vibrations during the vibration duration.

In some embodiments, the repose duration is greater than the vibration duration.

In some embodiments, the vibration duration is in the range of 0.1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 9 seconds, 2 seconds to 9 seconds, 3 seconds to 9 seconds, 3 seconds to 8 seconds, 3 seconds to 7 seconds, 3 seconds to 6 seconds, 4 seconds to 6 seconds, or 5 seconds to 6 seconds.

In some embodiments, the repose duration is in the range of 1 second to 180 seconds, 3 seconds to 180 seconds, 5 seconds to 180 seconds, 5 seconds to 150 seconds, 5 seconds to 120 seconds, 8 seconds to 100 seconds, 8 seconds to 30 seconds, 10 seconds to 80 seconds, 10 seconds to 70 seconds, 10 seconds to 60 seconds, 10 seconds to 50 seconds, 10 seconds to 40 seconds, 10 seconds to 30 seconds, 10 seconds to 20 seconds, or 15 seconds to 20 seconds.

In some embodiments, a duration of each of the plurality of cycles is in the range of 1.1 seconds to 200 seconds, 5 seconds to 200 seconds, 10 seconds to 200 seconds, 10 seconds to 150 seconds, 10 seconds to 100 seconds, 10 seconds to 80 seconds, 10 seconds to 50 seconds, 10 seconds to 40 seconds, 10 seconds to 30 seconds, 15 seconds to 50 seconds, 15 seconds to 40 seconds, 15 seconds to 30 seconds, or 15 seconds to 25 seconds.

In some embodiments, controlling includes controlling the vibrating agitator such that a cumulative duration of the vibrating mode of operation is in the range of 1 hour to 12 hours, 2 hours to 10 hours, 2 hours to 8 hours, 2 hours to 6 hours, 2 hours to 4 hours, or 2 hours to 3 hours.

In some embodiments, controlling includes controlling the vibrating agitator to exert forces on the housing of the vibrating ingestible capsule, such that a net force exerted by the housing on the environment thereof is in the range of 50 grams force (gf) to 600 gf, 50 gf to 550 gf, 100 gf to 550 gf, 100 gf to 500 gf, 150 gf to 500 gf, 200 gf to 500 gf, or 200 gf to 450 gf.

In some embodiments, controlling includes controlling the vibrating agitator to exert the forces on the housing to attain a housing vibrational frequency within a range of 10 Hz to 650 Hz, 15 Hz to 600 Hz, 20 Hz to 550 Hz, 30 Hz to 550 Hz, 50 Hz to 500 Hz, 70 Hz to 500 Hz, 100 Hz to 500 Hz, 130 Hz to 500 Hz, or 150 Hz to 500 Hz.

In some embodiments, associating includes at least partially attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, associating includes attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule. In some embodiments, associating includes fixedly attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, associating includes attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule by snap fit engagement. In some embodiments, associating includes attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule by threaded engagement. In some embodiments, associating includes attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule by adhering. In some embodiments, associating includes attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule by soldering.

In some embodiments, associating includes at least partially enveloping the medicament compartment housing around the vibrating ingestible capsule. In some embodiments, associating includes fully enveloping the medicament compartment housing around the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, inserting includes inserting the medicament tablet, via the at least one aperture, into the hollow medicament compartment housing.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a diameter of up to 5 mm, up to 6 mm, up to 7 mm, up to 8 mm, or up to 9 mm.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a maximal dimension of up to 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a volume of up to 100 mm³, up to 150 mm³, up to 200 mm³, up to 250 mm³, or up to 300 mm³.

In some embodiments, the medicament tablet has a height of up to 3 mm, up to 4 mm, or up to 5 mm.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet is absorbable in the stomach of the user. In some embodiments, the medicament tablet includes an ingestible medicament absorbable in the small intestine of the user.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet is suitable for treatment of one or more symptom or disease, selected from the group consisting of: Parkinsonism; Parkinson's Disease; progressive supranuclear palsy; corticobasal degeneration; multiple system atrophy; Parkinson-plus syndromes; any neurodegenerative disease in which the subject exhibits at least one, at least two, or at least three of the classical features of Parkinson's disease: tremor, postural instability, and akinesia or bradykesia; any neurodegenerative disease in which the subject positively responds to a dopaminergic treatment; any neurodegenerative disease in which the particular subject positively responds to an anticholinergic treatment; Constipation; Crohn's disease; Gastroparesis; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); diarrhea or loose bowel movements; colitis; Hirschsprung's disease; Dyspepsia; and dysphagia.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet includes or includes an ingestible medicament selected from the group consisting of: Levodopa; at least one dopaminergic agent; at least one catecholamine precursor; a dopamine precursor; at least one dopamine precursor agent; (L)-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine; N-methyl-N-(2-propynyl)-2-methyl-1-phenylethyl-2-amine; tyrosine hydroxylase; apomorphine; at least one anticholinergic agent; at least one agent selected to antagonize at least one cholinergic receptor; benzhexol; orphenadrine; at least one selective allosteric potentiator of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4); N-phenyl-7-(hydroxylimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxamide; at least one osmotic agent; magnesium citrate; magnesium hydroxide; polyethylene glycol; sodium phosphate; MiraLAX®; at least one contraction stimulating agent; bisacodyl; senna; Correctol; Ducodyl; Dulcolax; Senexon; Senokot; at least one stool softening agent; docusate sodium; Colace; Linaclotide; Lactulose; Lubiprostone; Plecanatide; Prucaltride; Loperamide; and bismuth subsalicylate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The foregoing discussion will be understood more readily from the following detailed description of the invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying FIGS. 1-9), in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a device for delivering an ingestible medicament into the gastrointestinal tract of a user according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are, respectively, a perspective view illustration and a planar side view illustration of a first embodiment of a device for delivering an ingestible medicament into the gastrointestinal tract of a user, the device having a medicament tablet including the ingestible medicament disposed therein, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are, respectively, a complete and a partial perspective sectional illustration of the device of FIG. 2, having the medicament tablet disposed therein;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are, respectively, a complete and a partial planar sectional illustration of the device of FIG. 2, having the medicament tablet disposed therein;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are, respectively, partial sectional illustrations of the device of FIG. 2, at two times during use thereof;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, partial sectional illustrations of a device similar to the device of FIG. 2 and having a radial medicament tablet biasing mechanism, at two times during use thereof, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are, respectively, a perspective view illustration and a planar view illustration of a second embodiment of a device for delivering an ingestible medicament into the gastrointestinal tract of a user, the device having a medicament tablet including the ingestible medicament disposed therein, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are, respectively, a complete and a partial planar sectional illustration of the device of FIGS. 7A and 7B, having the medicament tablet disposed therein; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a method for delivering an ingestible medicament of a medicament tablet into the gastrointestinal tract of user according to the present invention, the method being based on use of any one of the devices of FIGS. 1 to 8B.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The principles of the inventive devices and methods for delivery of an ingestible medicament into the body of a user, and specifically to devices and methods for such delivery of an ingestible medicament which include a vibrating capsule, may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

For the purposes of this application, the term “user” relates to a human.

For the purposes of this application, the term “vibrating ingestible capsule” relates to an ingestible capsule adapted to at least intermittently vibrate, for a cumulative duration of at least one minute, in accordance with a vibration protocol of the capsule.

For the purposes of this application, the term “vibrating agitator” refers to any type of structure or mechanism that vibrates or causes elements in its vicinity to vibrate, including a motor driven agitator such as a motor driven rotor including an eccentric weight, a motor driven pendulum, and a motor driven axial agitator.

For the purposes of this application, the term “intermittently activated vibrating agitator” refers to a vibrating agitator that vibrates or causes elements in its vicinity to vibrate and is operative at certain times, and does not vibrate or cause elements in its vicinity to vibrate at other times, the activation times being selected by a control element or other control unit controlling the vibrating agitator.

For the purposes of this application, the term “control element”, and the equivalent term “controller” refer to a computing circuit or element for controlling operation of mechanical and/or electrical components of the capsule, which form part of the capsule. The control element includes a processing unit functionally associated with a non-tangible computer readable storage medium. The storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed by the processing unit, carry out actions which control the operation of the mechanical and/or electrical components of the capsule. For example, the instructions may include instructions to activate operation of a vibrating agitator at a specific time, frequency, cycle, and/or for a specific duration. The control element may be functionally associated with, or may include, a transceiver for receiving input, which input may be used to trigger execution of specific instructions stored in the storage medium.

For the purposes of this application, the term “control unit” refers to a computing circuit or device for controlling operation of mechanical and/or electrical components of the capsule, which is remote from the capsule. The control element includes a processing unit functionally associated with a non-tangible computer readable storage medium. The storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed by the processing unit, carry out actions which control the operation of the capsule or provide instructions to the control element of the capsule. For example, the instructions may include instructions to provide to the capsule a specific vibration protocol or to receive feedback from the capsule. The control unit is functionally associated with, or includes, a transceiver for communication with the capsule.

For the purposes of this application, the term “biasing mechanism” refers to any structure, or device, adapted to apply continuous pressure to a second element, even when the position and/or dimensions of the second element change relative to an anchoring point of the structure or device. Biasing mechanisms include springs, such as compression springs, spring loaded and/or flexible leaves, plungers, and the like.

For the purposes of this application, the term “vibration protocol” relates to a protocol specifying vibration parameters of an intermittently activated vibrating agitator of a vibrating ingestible capsule. Typically, the vibration protocol relates to an activation delay for initiating vibration (e.g., a duration between “initial” activation of the capsule and the first activation of the vibrating agitator), a vibration rate (number of vibration cycles per hour), a vibration duration and a repose duration for each vibration cycle, a vibration frequency, an amount of force exerted by the vibrations, and the like.

For the purposes of this application, the term “treatment procedure” relates to parameters of a treatment utilizing vibrating ingestible capsules, which are typically defined by a treating physician or medical practitioner. For example, the treatment procedure may include the number of capsules to be taken within a specific time duration (e.g., 3 capsules per week, 2 capsules per day), the frequency at which capsules should be taken, the time of day at which capsules should be taken, whether the capsule should be taken with or without food, and the like.

For the purpose of this application, the term “treatment protocol” relates to all aspects of treatment of a user with a vibrating ingestible capsule, and includes the treatment procedure as well as the vibration protocol to be used for treating the user.

For the purpose of this application, the term “activation input” relates to an input received by a control element or control element of a vibrating ingestible capsule, which causes the control element or control element of the capsule to activate itself, so as to be able to process inputs and/or to control additional components of the capsule. The activation input may be received from an element forming part of the capsule, such as a sensor sensing specific conditions in which the capsule should be activated, or from a remote source, such as a remote control element, for example by way of a signal transmitted to the capsule, magnetic field applied to the capsule, specific motion applied to the capsule, or any other type of input provided to the capsule from a remote source.

For the purpose of this application, a vibrating ingestible capsule is said to be in an “inoperative state” when the capsule is in a storage condition, intended to preserve the life of a battery thereof. In the inoperative state, components of the capsule which are intended to receive or to provide an activation input, such as specific sensors, transceivers, and/or timing mechanisms may be active at least to a minimal degree. However, in the inoperative state, no vibration takes place, and a control element controlling vibration of the capsule is inactive.

For the purpose of this application, a vibrating ingestible capsule is said to be in an “operative state” when the control element of the capsule is processing inputs and data, and can cause a vibrating agitator of the capsule to vibrate or cause elements in its vicinity to vibrate.

For the purpose of this application, an “ingestible medicament” is at least partially absorbable to the bloodstream from within the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, and more typically, within the stomach or small intestine.

For the purpose of this application, the term “partially absorbable” is meant to include the possibility that the environment within the gastrointestinal tract (including acids, enzymes, etc. thereof) may chemically modify the ingested medicament in order to achieve the characteristic “partially absorbable”.

For the purposes of this application the term “medicament tablet” relates to any dosage form of an ingestible medicament, in which the ingestible medicament maintains a pre-defined closed contour. This may include a pill, a tablet, a capsule, a liquid-gel capsule, or compressed powder.

For the purposes of this application, the disclosure of a commercial name of a material or drug is meant to be a disclosure of the corresponding generic material or drug, and of the active ingredient(s) within the commercial material or drug and; or within the corresponding generic material or drug.

For the purpose of this application, an estimated absorption time may be determined as follows:

(i) ingestible medicaments that are absorbed in the stomach have an estimated absorption time within a range of 0.5 to 1.5 hours from the time of ingestion of the ingestible medicament;

(ii) ingestible medicaments that are absorbed in the small intestine have an estimated absorption time within a range of 1.0 to 5 hours from the time of ingestion of the ingestible medicament;

(iii) ingestible medicaments that are absorbed in both the stomach and the small intestine have an estimated absorption time within a range of 0.5 to 5 hours from the time of ingestion of the ingestible medicament;

(iv) ingestible medicaments that are absorbed in the large intestine have an estimated absorption time of at least 4 hours, and more typically, within a range of 4 to 30 hours, 6 to 30 hours, 6 to 20 hours, or 8 to 20 hours from the time of ingestion of the ingestible medicament.

The location within the GI tract at which the particular ingestible medicament is absorbed to the bloodstream may often be public knowledge. This location may be provided by, or known to, the manufacturer and/or distributor of the particular ingestible medicament. Alternatively or additionally, the location may be known to relevant medical practitioners, including doctors and pharmacists, and more particularly, to a medical practitioner of the user.

For the purpose of this application, an actual absorption time may be determined from clinical data, in vivo or in vitro, according to accepted clinical procedures known to those of skill in the art. Since actual absorption is achieved over a period of time, the “actual absorption time” or “actual absorption time period” may be defined by the time period at which between 20% and 80% of the absorption occurs. In the absence of such data, the “actual absorption time” or “actual absorption time period” may be defined by determining the “peak” actual absorption time, and building a time period of up to 1 hour on each side of the peak time.

For the purpose of this application, the term “Parkinsonism” is meant to include Parkinson's disease, or symptoms of neurodegeneration associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “Parkinsonism” is meant to include progressive supranuclear palsy, or symptoms of neurodegeneration associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “Parkinsonism” is meant to include corticobasal degeneration, or symptoms of neurodegeneration associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “Parkinsonism” is meant to include multiple system atrophy, or symptoms of neurodegeneration associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “Parkinsonism” is meant to include Parkinson-plus syndromes (also known as disorders of multiple system degeneration), or symptoms of neurodegeneration associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “Parkinsonism” is meant to include any neurodegenerative disease in which the subject exhibits at least one (and typically at least two or three) of the classical features of Parkinson's disease: tremor, postural instability, and akinesia or bradykesia.

For the purpose of this application, the term “Parkinsonism” is meant to include any neurodegenerative disease in which the subject positively responds to a dopaminergic treatment.

For the purpose of this application, the term “Parkinsonism” is meant to include any neurodegenerative disease in which the particular subject positively responds to an anticholinergic treatment.

For the purpose of this application, the term “Parkinsonism” is meant to include any neurodegenerative disease in which a dopaminergic treatment is clinically utilized to treat the sufferers or subjects.

For the purpose of this application, the term “Parkinsonism” is meant to include any neurodegenerative disease in which an anticholinergic treatment is clinically utilized to treat the sufferers or subjects.

For the purpose of this application, the term “Parkinson's disease” (PD) is meant as used by those of skill in the art of neurodegenerative diseases. It is believed that PD is due to the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine Early signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease include at least one of tremors (or trembling), slowness of movement, body rigidity and stiffness, and gait problems.

For the purpose of this application, the term “treatment of Parkinsonism” and the like refers to at least one of: (i) delaying onset of Parkinsonism (e.g., PD); (ii) mitigating the development of Parkinsonism (e.g., PD); and (iii) managing a condition of Parkinsonism (e.g., PD).

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include chronic or acute constipation, or symptoms associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include gastroparesis, or symptoms associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include Crohn's disease, or symptoms associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include chronic or acute diarrhea, or symptoms associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include colitis, or symptoms associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include dyspepsia or dysphagia, or symptoms associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include Hirschsprung's disease, or symptoms associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include irritable bowel syndrome, or symptoms associated therewith.

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include any disease in which the subject positively responds to an osmotic gastrointestinal treatment.

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include any disease in which the particular subject positively responds to a stool softening treatment.

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include any disease in which the particular subject positively responds to a GI contraction inducing treatment.

For the purpose of this application, the term “ailment of the GI tract” is meant to include any disease in which the subject positively responds to a GI fluid absorption inducing treatment.

For the purpose of this application, the term “managing a condition of”, with respect to an ailment of the GI tract, is meant to include, inter alia, improving absorption of a medicament, such as a medicament used in the treatment of the ailment of the GI tract (e.g., Linaclotide (Linzess®)), into the bloodstream. Such condition management may be manifested by at least one of (i) improved medicament efficacy due to the increased absorption; and (ii) reduced dosage of the medicament, due to the increased medicament absorption efficacy.

For the purpose of this application, the term “managing a condition of”, with respect to Parkinsonism and the like, is meant to include, inter alia, improving absorption of a medicament, such as a medicament used in the treatment of Parkinsonism (e.g., levodopa), into the bloodstream. Such condition management may be manifested by at least one of (i) improved medicament efficacy due to the increased absorption; and (ii) reduced dosage of the medicament, due to the increased medicament absorption efficacy.

For the purpose of this application, a first element is said to envelop a second element, if the second element is disposed within the first element, and the first element fully surrounds the second element. The second element need not be attached to the first element, and may be movable relative to the first element, within the first element, but may also be attached to the first element.

For the purpose of this application, a first element is said to partially envelop a second element, if at least part of the exterior surface of the second element is covered by the first element or is surrounded by the first element. The second element need not be attached to the first element, and may be movable relative to the first element, within the first element, but may also be attached to the first element.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a device 100 for delivering an ingestible medicament within a medicament tablet 102 into the gastrointestinal tract of a user according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As seen in FIG. 1, device 100 includes vibrating ingestible capsule 110. Capsule 110 includes a capsule housing or shell 112, arranged along a longitudinal axis 113 and having disposed therein a vibrating agitator 114. A control element 116 is adapted to control operation of vibrating agitator 114, and at least one power source 118 provides power to vibrating agitator 114 and control element 116.

A hollow medicament compartment housing 120 is associated with capsule housing 112. Medicament compartment housing 120 defines a hollow 122 dimensioned and configured to have medicament tablet 102 disposed therein. At least one aperture 124 is formed in medicament compartment housing 120, the aperture being dimensioned and configured to enable fluid communication between an environment surrounding medicament compartment housing 120 and hollow 122.

In some embodiments, apertures 124 are dimensioned and configured such that, when medicament tablet 102 is disposed within hollow 122 and device 100 is in the gastrointestinal tract of the user, the ingestible medicament of medicament tablet 102 enters the environment surrounding medicament compartment housing 120 for delivery thereof to the body of the user.

In some embodiments, medicament compartment housing 120 also includes at least one biasing mechanism 126 adapted, when medicament tablet 102 is disposed within hollow 122, to bias medicament tablet 102 toward capsule housing 112 of capsule 110. As described hereinbelow, in some embodiments, biasing mechanism 126 comprises a spring or spring-like element. In some embodiments, biasing mechanism 126 comprises a pre-loaded leaf, or other pre-loaded element. In some embodiments, biasing mechanism 126 comprises a plunger, or pre-loaded plunger. In some embodiments, biasing mechanism 126 comprises a cam.

Relating specifically to capsule 110, power source 118 may be any suitable power source, such as one or more alkaline or silver oxide batteries, primary batteries, rechargeable batteries, capacitors and/or supercapacitors.

Intermittently activated vibrating agitator 114 is adapted to have a vibration mode of operation (also termed the first mode of operation) and a rest mode of operation (also termed the second mode of operation). In the vibration mode of operation, intermittently activated vibrating agitator 114 is adapted to exert forces on capsule housing 112, such that capsule housing 112 exerts vibrations on an environment surrounding capsule 110 and/or device 100.

In some embodiments, the capsule 110 is in an inoperative state, until the receipt of an activation input, which causes control element 116 to transition the capsule from the inoperative state to an operative state.

In some embodiments, control element 116 is functionally associated with, or includes, a timing mechanism 130, powered by power source 118 and adapted to track at least one time characteristic, such as a duration that has passed since an activation input was received, or a duration that has passed since the user ingested capsule 110. In some embodiments, the timing mechanism 130 is a clock. In some embodiments, the timing mechanism 130 is a timer adapted to measure time relative to a starting point or to “count down” relative to a desired ending point.

In some embodiments, capsule 110 is devoid of any sensors for sensing an environment thereof. In some such embodiments, control element 116 is adapted, in response to receipt of an activation input, to wait a predetermined delay time, and following the predetermined delay time, to activate vibrating agitator 114 to operate in said first vibration mode of operation.

In other embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, capsule 110 further includes at least one sensor 132, functionally associated with control element 116. The at least one sensor 132 may be adapted to sense at least one parameter within capsule 110 or in an environment of capsule 110, and may include a temperature sensor, an illumination sensor, a moisture sensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, or any other suitable sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor 132 is adapted to identify a specific condition in capsule 110 or in the vicinity thereof, and to provide an activation input to control element 116 in response to identification of the condition. For example, in some embodiments the condition is indicative of the user ingesting capsule 110.

For example, in some embodiments sensor 132 may include an illumination sensor, adapted to identify transition of capsule 110 from an illuminated environment (e.g. outside the human body) to a dark environment (e.g. within the human body) and to provide an activation input in response to identification of such a transition.

As another example, in some embodiments sensor 132 may include a motion or acceleration sensor, such as an accelerometer, adapted to identify an activation motion carried out by a user on capsule 110 or on device 100 and to provide an activation input in response to identification of such a transition. An example of an accelerometer providing an activation input for a gastrointestinal capsule is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 10,314,514, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. As another example, in some embodiments sensor 132 may include a pressure sensor adapted identify pressure applied to the capsule 110 or to device 100, which pressure is indicative of the capsule moving through a pharynx of the user, and to provide an activation input in response to identification of such pressure.

As a further example, in some embodiments sensor 132 may include a temperature sensor adapted to identify transition of capsule 110 or of device 100 from an area with ambient temperature (e.g. outside the human body) to an area with a human body temperature and to provide an activation input in response to identification of such a transition.

As a further example, in some embodiments sensor 132 may include a moisture sensor adapted to identify transition of capsule 110 or of device 100 from a dry area (e.g. outside the human body) to a moist area (e.g. within the human body) and to provide an activation input in response to identification of such a transition.

It will be appreciated by people of skill in the art that sensor 132 need not necessarily be disposed within capsule 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and may be disposed anywhere within device 100, for example within hollow 122 of medicament compartment housing 120, on an exterior of capsule 110, or on the exterior of device 100.

In some embodiments, device 100 may be functionally associated with a control unit 140, which may be remote from device 100 and from capsule 110, and which is adapted to provide one or more inputs to the capsule. In some such embodiments, capsule 110 further includes a remote input receiving mechanism 136, functionally associated with control element 116, and adapted to receive inputs from an input providing mechanism 142 of control unit 140.

In some embodiments, control unit 140 may further include a timing mechanism 146, adapted to track at least one time characteristic, such as a duration that has passed since a control instruction was provided to capsule 110.

In some embodiments, control unit 140 may further include a user input receiver 148, such as a keyboard, touch screen, or touch pad, adapted to receive input from a user, such as the user, a medical professional treating the user, or a caregiver of the user.

Control unit 140 may be any suitable type of control unit. In some embodiments, control unit may be a suitably configured smart phone or a tablet computer.

In some such embodiments, control unit 140 may provide inputs to capsule 110 by remotely transmitting the inputs from input providing mechanism 142 to remote input receiving mechanism 136, for example using a short range wireless communication method, such as radio frequency (RF) communication or Bluetooth® communication. One example of such a mechanism for providing input to a capsule is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,478,373, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

In some embodiments, control unit 140 is adapted to provide the activation input to control element 116 of capsule 110. In some such embodiments, control unit 140 provides the activation input prior to the user ingesting device 100 including capsule 110, whereas in other embodiments control unit 140 provides the activation input following ingestion of device 100 and capsule 110 by the user.

Relating to the characteristics of vibrating agitator 114, the vibrating agitator may be any suitable mechanism that can be intermittently activated and can apply suitable forces onto capsule housing 112.

In some embodiments, intermittently activated vibrating agitator 114 may include a radial agitator adapted to exert radial forces on capsule housing 112, in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of housing 112. For example, the radial agitator may include an unbalanced weight attached to a shaft of an electric motor powered by said battery, substantially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,707,150, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

In some embodiments, intermittently activated vibrating agitator 114 may include an axial agitator adapted to exert radial forces on the capsule housing 112, in an axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of housing 112. For example, the axial agitator may include an electric motor powered by the battery and an urging mechanism, associated with, and driven by, the electric motor, such that the urging mechanism adapted to exert said axial forces, substantially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,707,150. In some embodiments, the urging mechanism adapted to exert the axial forces in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the urging mechanism is adapted to deliver at least a portion of the axial forces in a knocking mode.

In some embodiments, the forces exerted by intermittently activated vibrating agitator 114 on capsule housing 112 in the vibration mode of operation include radial forces in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing and axial forces in an axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, a single agitator exerts both the radial and the axial forces. In other embodiments, the axial forces are exerted by one agitator, and the radial forces are exerted by another, separate, agitator, where both agitators form part of intermittently activated vibrating agitator 114.

In some embodiments, the intermittently activated vibrating agitator 114 may include a magnet mounted onto a rotor adapted to exert a magnetic field as well as radial forces on capsule housing 112. For example, such a magnetic vibrating agitator is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0310357, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

In some embodiments, housing 112 may include first and second members, and vibrating agitator 114 may include an agitator adapted to effect a vibration by moving the first member of the housing in the opposite direction relative to the second member of the housing, substantially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,078,799, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

In some embodiments, housing 112 may include a vibrating agitator 114 which makes use of a pendulum to cause vibration in the vicinity of the capsule, for example as described in CN Patent Application Number 105997466 filed on Jun. 16, 2016, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

In some embodiments, or at some times, control element 116 is adapted to control vibrating agitator 114, and specifically to set at least one vibration parameter of vibrating agitator 114, so as to promote absorption of the ingestible medicament into the bloodstream of the user. For example, absorption of the ingestible medicament may be promoted by the vibration breaking down the medicament tablet to smaller, more absorbable parts. As another example, absorption of the ingestible medicament may be promoted by the vibration promoting emulsification of the ingestible medicament. As yet another example, absorption of the ingestible medicament may be promoted by the vibration causing a hydrophobic phase of the ingestible medicament to form smaller bubbles, thereby increasing the surface area of the hydrophobic phase for absorption thereof. In another example, absorption of the ingestible medicament may be promoted by the vibration causing greater exposure of the ingestible medicament to the environment.

In some embodiments, or at some times, control element 116 may be adapted to control vibrating agitator 114 so that the capsule applies forces to an environment thereof, such that within the gastrointestinal tract, a mechanical stimulation of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract is effected.

In some such embodiments, the at least one vibration parameter includes at least one of a vibration frequency, a cumulative vibration duration, a number of vibration cycles per time unit, a duration of a vibration duration within a vibration cycle, a duration of a repose duration within a vibration cycle, a total duration of a single vibration cycle, and a net force exerted by said housing on said environment, as explained in further detail hereinbelow.

In some embodiments, control element 116 is adapted to control a timing or activation delay of the vibration mode of operation of the vibrating agitator 114 such that the vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within an estimated absorption time period of the ingestible medicament released from medicament tablet 102 within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.

In some embodiments, control element 116 is adapted to control a timing or activation delay of the vibration mode of operation of the vibrating agitator 114 such that the vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within an actual absorption time period of the ingestible medicament released from medicament tablet 102 within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.

In the vibrating mode of operation, intermittently activated vibrating agitator 114 is adapted to have a plurality of vibration cycles, where each cycle includes a vibration duration followed by a repose duration. Forces are exerted by the vibrating agitator 114 on capsule housing 112 only during the vibration duration, and as such, capsule housing 112 only exerts forces on an environment thereof during the vibration duration.

In some embodiments, the number of vibration cycles per hour is in the range of 20 to 400, 40 to 400, 60 to 400, 80 to 400, 40 to 380, 60 to 380, 80 to 380, 40 to 360, 60 to 360, 80 to 360, 100 to 360, 100 to 330, 100 to 300, 100 to 280, 100 to 250, 100 to 220, 100 to 200, 120 to 300, 120 to 280, 120 to 250, 120 to 220, 120 to 200, 150 to 300, 150 to 280, 150 to 250, 150 to 220, 150 to 200, 170 to 300, 170 to 250, 170 to 220, or 170 to 200.

In some embodiments, the repose duration is greater than the vibration duration.

In some embodiments, the vibration duration is in the range of 0.1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 9 seconds, 2 seconds to 9 seconds, 3 seconds to 9 seconds, 3 seconds to 8 seconds, 3 seconds to 7 seconds, 3 seconds to 6 seconds, 4 seconds to 6 seconds, or 5 seconds to 6 seconds.

In some embodiments, the repose duration is in the range of 1 second to 180 seconds, 3 seconds to 180 seconds, 5 seconds to 180 seconds, 5 seconds to 150 seconds, 5 seconds to 120 seconds, 8 seconds to 100 seconds, 8 seconds to 30 seconds, 10 seconds to 80 seconds, 10 seconds to 70 seconds, 10 seconds to 60 seconds, 10 seconds to 50 seconds, 10 seconds to 40 seconds, 10 seconds to 30 seconds, 10 seconds to 20 seconds, or 15 seconds to 20 seconds.

In some embodiments, the total duration of one vibration cycle is in the range of 1.1 seconds to 200 seconds, 5 seconds to 200 seconds, 10 seconds to 200 seconds, 10 seconds to 150 seconds, 10 seconds to 100 seconds, 10 seconds to 80 seconds, 10 seconds to 50 seconds, 10 seconds to 40 seconds, 10 seconds to 30 seconds, 15 seconds to 50 seconds, 15 seconds to 40 seconds, 15 seconds to 30 seconds, or 15 seconds to 25 seconds.

In some embodiments, the cumulative duration of the vibrating mode of operation, or the cumulative duration during which vibration cycles are occurring, is in the range of 1 hour to 12 hours, 2 hours to 10 hours, 2 hours to 8 hours, 2 hours to 6 hours, 2 hours to 4 hours, or 2 hours to 3 hours. It will be appreciated that the cumulative duration of vibration cycles may be dependent on properties of power source 118.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the vibration mode of operation may be intermittent, or interrupted, such that vibrating agitator 114 is operative in the vibration mode for a first duration, for example 30 minutes, then does have any vibration cycles for a second duration, for example 1 hour, and then is operative in the vibration mode and has vibration cycles for a third duration, for example two hours. The cumulative duration relates to the sum of all durations during which vibrating agitator 114 was operative in the vibration mode and included vibration cycles, including the vibration duration and the repose duration of the vibration cycle.

In some embodiments, vibrating agitator 114 is configured to exert forces on the capsule housing 112, such that a net force exerted by the capsule housing 112 on the environment thereof is in the range of 50 grams force (gf) to 600 gf, 50 gf to 550 gf, 100 gf to 550 gf, 100 gf to 500 gf, 150 gf to 500 gf, 200 gf to 500 gf, or 200 gf to 450 gf.

In some embodiments, vibrating agitator 114 is configured to exert said forces on capsule housing 112 to attain a capsule housing 112 vibrational frequency within a range of 10 Hz to 650 Hz, 15 Hz to 600 Hz, 20 Hz to 550 Hz, 30 Hz to 550 Hz, 50 Hz to 500 Hz, 70 Hz to 500 Hz, 100 Hz to 500 Hz, 130 Hz to 500 Hz, or 150 Hz to 500 Hz.

It will be appreciated that the exact specifications of the capsule, such as the specific frequency and force ranges applicable to a specific capsule, are dependent on the specifications of the power source 118 and of the vibrating agitator 114.

It will be further appreciated that a specific capsule may be controlled by the control element 116 such that different vibrational frequencies may be attained and/or different net forces may be exerted, by the capsule in different vibration cycles of the capsule. Due to the natural distinction between users, use of multiple different parameters in different vibration cycles of a single capsule would allow the capsule to successfully treat multiple users, even if the personal optimal treatment for those users is not the same, as there is a higher chance that in at least some of the vibration cycles the activation parameters of the capsule would reach, or be close to, the optimal parameters for each specific user.

Control element 116 is adapted to control the operation of intermittently activated vibrating agitator 114. Such control may include control of any one or more of the force applied by the vibrating agitator 114, the vibrational frequency reached, the times in which vibrating agitator 114 operates in the vibration mode of operation, the vibration duration of each vibration cycle, the repose duration of each vibration cycle, the vibration cycle duration, and cumulative vibration duration of the vibrating agitators.

In some embodiments, control element 116 is adapted to receive information relating to the desired vibration protocol from control unit 140, prior to ingestion of device 100 and capsule 110 or to activation of the capsule, or during the device's and capsule's traversal of the user's GI tract. For example, the information may be remotely transmitted from control unit 140 to control element 116, for example using a short range wireless communication method. In some embodiments, the information is transmitted as a list of vibration parameters for effecting the vibration protocol. In some embodiments, the information is transmitted as executable code for effecting the first vibration protocol.

In some embodiments, the information includes a desired number of vibration cycles, a desired vibration duration in each vibration cycle, a desired repose duration in each vibration cycle, a desired cumulative vibration duration, and the like.

Relating to hollow medicament compartment housing 120, in some embodiments, medicament compartment housing 120 is biodegradable. In some embodiments, medicament compartment housing 120 is digestible by the gastrointestinal tract of the user. In some embodiments, medicament compartment housing 120 is flexible.

In some embodiments, hollow 122 has a volume in the range of 200 mm³ to 800 mm³, 300 mm³ to 700 mm³, 400 mm³ to 600 mm³, or 500 mm³.

In some embodiments, apertures 124 are dimensioned and configured such that medicament tablet 102, while whole, cannot be removed from hollow 122 of medicament compartment housing 120.

In other embodiments, apertures 124 are dimensioned and configured to enable insertion of medicament tablet 102, via at least one aperture, into hollow 122 of medicament compartment housing 120.

Ins some embodiments, in use during transition of the device 100 through the gastrointestinal tract of the user, biasing mechanism 126 is adapted to continue biasing medicament tablet 102 toward housing 112 of vibrating ingestible capsule 110, while the ingestible medicament from medicament tablet 102 is delivered to the environment surrounding hollow 122 and device 100.

In some embodiments, biasing mechanism 126 includes at least one pre-loaded compression spring, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, described in detail hereinbelow. In some embodiments, biasing mechanism 126 includes at least one flexible and resilient leaf, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, described in detail hereinbelow.

In some embodiments, biasing mechanism 126 includes at least one longitudinal biasing mechanism adapted to bias medicament tablet 102 by application of pressure along a longitudinal axis of the medicament tablet, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B described in detail hereinbelow.

In some embodiments, biasing mechanism 126 includes at least one radial biasing mechanism adapted to bias medicament tablet 102 by application of radial pressure along a perimeter of the medicament tablet, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B described in detail hereinbelow.

In some embodiments, an exterior contour of at least a portion of housing 112 of the vibrating ingestible capsule 110 is adapted to match an exterior contour of the medicament tablet 102, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 4B described in detail hereinbelow. In some such embodiments, the exterior contour of at least a portion of housing 112 is concave as illustrated in FIG. 3B.

In some embodiments, medicament compartment housing 120 is at least partially attached to housing 112 of vibrating ingestible capsule 110. In some embodiments, medicament compartment housing 120 is fully attached to housing 112 of vibrating ingestible capsule 110.

In some embodiments, medicament compartment housing 120 is fixedly attached to housing 112 of vibrating ingestible capsule 110, for example by adhering, by soldering, or by snap fit engagement. In other embodiments, medicament compartment housing 120 is removably attached to housing 112 of vibrating ingestible capsule 110, for example by threaded engagement.

In some embodiments, housing 112 of vibrating ingestible capsule 110 includes an attachment mechanism, and medicament compartment housing 120 includes a corresponding attachment mechanism, for mutual attachment of vibrating ingestible capsule 110 to hollow medicament compartment housing 120. An exemplary arrangement of such attachment mechanisms is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3B and 4B described in detail hereinbelow.

In some embodiments, medicament compartment housing 120 at least partially envelops housing 112 of vibrating ingestible capsule 110, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 7A to 8B.

In some embodiments, medicament compartment housing 120 fully envelops housing 112 of vibrating ingestible capsule 110. In some such embodiments, medicament compartment housing 120 includes a hollow capsule including aperture(s) 124, which has greater length than the length of vibrating ingestible capsule 110, and a greater diameter than a diameter of vibrating ingestible capsule. In such embodiments, vibrating ingestible capsule 110 is disposed within the hollow capsule of the medicament compartment housing.

Turning now to characteristics of the medicament tablet 102, in some embodiments, medicament tablet 102 has a diameter of up to 5 mm, up to 6 mm, up to 7 mm, up to 8 mm, or up to 9 mm.

In some embodiments, medicament tablet 102 has a maximal linear dimension, in any direction of the tablet, of up to 10 mm.

In some embodiments, medicament tablet 102 has a height of up to 3 mm, up to 4 mm, or up to 5 mm.

In some embodiments, medicament tablet 102 has a volume of up to 100 mm³, up to 150 mm³, up to 200 mm³, up to 250 mm³, or up to 300 mm³.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of medicament tablet 102 is absorbable or at least partially absorbable in the stomach of the user. In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of medicament tablet 102 is absorbable or at least partially absorbable in the small intestine of the user.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of medicament tablet 102 is suitable for treatment of one or more symptom or disease, selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   Parkinsonism     -   Parkinson's Disease     -   progressive supranuclear palsy     -   corticobasal degeneration     -   multiple system atrophy     -   Parkinson-plus syndromes (also known as disorders of multiple         system degeneration)     -   any neurodegenerative disease in which the subject exhibits at         least one (and typically at least two or three) of the classical         features of Parkinson's disease: tremor, postural instability,         and akinesia or bradykesia.     -   any neurodegenerative disease in which the subject positively         responds to a dopaminergic treatment.     -   any neurodegenerative disease in which the particular subject         positively responds to an anticholinergic treatment.     -   Constipation     -   Crohn's disease     -   Gastroparesis     -   irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)     -   diarrhea or loose bowel movements     -   colitis     -   Hirschsprung's disease     -   Dyspepsia     -   dysphagia.

In some embodiments, the ingestible medicament of medicament tablet 102 comprises or includes an ingestible medicament selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   levodopa     -   at least one dopaminergic agent     -   at least one catecholamine precursor     -   a dopamine precursor     -   at least one dopamine precursor agent     -   (L)-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine     -   N-methyl-N-(2-propynyl)-2-methyl-1-phenylethyl-2-amine     -   tyrosine hydroxylase     -   apomorphine     -   at least one anticholinergic agent     -   at least one agent selected to antagonize at least one         cholinergic receptor     -   benzhexol     -   orphenadrine     -   at least one selective allosteric potentiator of metabotropic         glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4)     -   N-phenyl-7-(hydroxylimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxamide     -   at least one osmotic agent     -   magnesium citrate     -   magnesium hydroxide     -   polyethylene glycol     -   sodium phosphate     -   MiraLAX®     -   at least one contraction stimulating agent     -   bisacodyl     -   senna     -   Correctol     -   Ducodyl     -   Dulcolax     -   Senexon     -   Senokot     -   at least one stool softening agent     -   docusate sodium     -   Colace     -   Linaclotide     -   Lactulose     -   lubiprostone     -   plecanatide     -   prucaltride     -   loperamide     -   bismuth subsalicylate

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B are, respectively, a perspective view illustration and a planar side view illustration of a first embodiment of a device 200 for delivering an ingestible medicament into the gastrointestinal tract of a user, the device having a medicament tablet 202 including the ingestible medicament disposed therein, according to an embodiment of the present invention, to FIGS. 3A and 3B which are, respectively, a complete and a partial perspective sectional illustration of device 200 and medicament tablet 202 disposed therein, and to FIGS. 4A and 4B which are, respectively, a complete and a partial planar sectional illustration of device 200 having medicament tablet 202.

As seen, device 200, which is arranged along a longitudinal axis 204, includes a vibrating ingestible capsule 210 including a housing 212, substantially as described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that capsule 210 includes at least a vibrating agitator, a control element, and a power source, as described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1, even though these components are not explicitly shown in

FIGS. 2A to 4B.

A hollow medicament compartment housing 220, here illustrated as having the shape of a convex dome, defines a hollow 222 in which is disposed medicament tablet 202. A plurality of apertures 224 are formed about the perimeter of medicament compartment housing 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 224 are not large enough to allow passage of the whole medicament tablet 202 therethrough, although in other embodiments the apertures may be sized and configured to allow a user to insert the medicament tablet into hollow 222 via one of the apertures 224.

Hollow medicament compartment housing 220 is attached to vibrating ingestible capsule 210. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 212 of vibrating ingestible capsule 210 includes a first attachment mechanism in the form of a circumferential slot 214 and a circumferential protrusion 216 disposed adjacent a longitudinal end 218 of capsule housing 212. Hollow medicament compartment housing includes a second, corresponding attachment mechanism in the form of a circumferential slot 228 and a circumferential protrusion 230 disposed adjacent an end 232 of medicament compartment housing 220. Circumferential slot 228 corresponds in dimensions to circumferential protrusion 216 of capsule 210, and circumferential protrusion 230 corresponds in dimensions to circumferential slot 214 of capsule 210. In the illustrated embodiment, medicament compartment housing 220 is fixedly attached to vibrating ingestible capsule 210 by snap fit engagement of slot 228 with protrusion 216 and snap fit engagement of protrusion 230 with slot 214. However, any type of attachment between medicament compartment housing 220 and vibrating ingestible capsule 210 is considered within the scope of the present invention, including threaded engagement, engagement by soldering, engagement by adhesive, and the like. For example, in some embodiments, the attachment mechanism of the capsule may included an external thread, adapted to attach to an internal thread on the hollow medicament compartment. As another example, in some embodiments, the attachment mechanism may include an adhesive or an epoxy applied between the vibrating ingestible capsule and the hollow medicament compartment. As a further example, in some embodiment, the attachment mechanism includes at least one fastener fastening the capsule to the hollow medicament compartment.

As seen clearly in FIGS. 3A to 4B, an exterior surface of longitudinal end 218 of capsule housing 212 is concave, and has an exterior contour which matches an exterior contour of medicament tablet 202. However, it will be appreciated that this structure is not necessary, and that medicament tablet 202 may engage any portion of the capsule housing 212, along a surface of the capsule housing, along a surface of the medicament tablet, or tangentially.

A biasing mechanism in the form of a compression spring 226, terminating in a compression plate 227, extends from the interior surface of hollow medicament compartment housing 220 toward medicament tablet 202. Compression spring 226 and compression plate 227 bias medicament tablet 202 toward an exterior surface of housing 212 of vibrating ingestible capsule 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the compression spring and compression plate extend from an apex of the dome of medicament compartment housing 220, and apply pressure to medicament tablet 202 in a longitudinal direction, along a longitudinal axis of the medicament tablet and of device 200. However, any other suitable arrangement of the biasing mechanism is considered to be within the scope of the invention, as described hereinbelow with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

Reference is now additionally made to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which are, respectively, partial sectional illustrations of device 200, at two times during use thereof. As seen, in FIG. 5A, the medicament tablet 202 is larger, or is whole, and is compressed by compression spring 226 and compression plate 227 against end 218 of housing 212 of the vibrating ingestible capsule 210. At a later time, occurring for example after the device 200 has been ingested and the medicament tablet 202 has been exposed to gastric fluids, the medicament tablet is significantly smaller than it was at the starting time. However, the compression spring 226 and compression plate 227 continue to bias the medicament tablet against the end 218 of capsule housing 212.

As such, it is appreciated that the longitudinal biasing mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B of the present invention “follows” the medicament tablet, and continues to bias the medicament tablet in a desired direction during changes to the dimensions of the medicament tablet, and during absorption of the medicament therefrom.

Reference is now additionally made to FIGS. 6A and 6B, which are, respectively, partial sectional illustrations of a device similar to device 200 and having a radial biasing mechanism, at two times during use thereof, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, sectional illustrations 6A and 6B are taken in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, through the center of the medicament tablet.

As seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a hollow medicament compartment housing 250 has a medicament tablet 252 disposed therein. A biasing mechanism, including a plurality of flexible and resilient leaves 254 extending radially inwardly from an interior surface of hollow medicament compartment housing 250 applies pressure, in a radial direction, to a perimeter of medicament tablet 252, so as to bias the medicament tablet toward the center of medicament compartment housing 250 and to hold it in place there.

As seen, in FIG. 6A, the medicament tablet 252 is larger, or is whole, and is held by biasing leaves 254 to be concentric with a hollow medicament compartment housing 250. At a later time, occurring for example after the device has been ingested and the medicament tablet 252 has been exposed to gastric fluids, the medicament tablet is significantly smaller than it was at the starting time. However, the biasing leaves 254 continue to bias the medicament tablet 252 to be concentric with a hollow medicament compartment housing 250.

As such, it is appreciated that the radial biasing mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B of the present invention “follows” the medicament tablet, and continues to bias the medicament tablet in a desired direction during changes to the dimensions of the medicament tablet, and during absorption of the ingestible medicament therefrom.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A and 7B, which are, respectively, a perspective view illustration and a planar view illustration of a second embodiment of a device 300 for delivering an ingestible medicament into the gastrointestinal tract of a user, the device having a medicament tablet 302 including the ingestible medicament disposed therein, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and to FIGS. 8A and 8B, which are, respectively, a complete and a partial planar sectional illustration of device 300 having medicament tablet 302 disposed therein.

As seen, device 300, which is arranged along a longitudinal axis 304, includes a vibrating ingestible capsule 310 including a housing 312, substantially as described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that capsule 310 includes at least a vibrating agitator, a control element, and a power source, as described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1, even though these components are not explicitly shown in FIGS. 7A to 8B.

A hollow medicament compartment housing 320, here illustrated as having the shape of a convex domed sleeve, defines a hollow 322 in which is disposed medicament tablet 302. A plurality of circular apertures 324 are formed about the perimeter of medicament compartment housing 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 324 are not large enough to allow passage of the whole medicament tablet 302 therethrough, although in other embodiments the apertures may be sized and configured to allow a user to insert the medicament tablet into hollow 322 via one of the apertures 324.

Hollow medicament compartment housing 320 partially envelops vibrating ingestible capsule 310. In some embodiments, the medicament compartment housing may frictionally engage housing 312 of capsule 310.

In other embodiments, not illustrated, hollow medicament compartment housing 320 may fully envelop ingestible vibrating capsule 310. In some such embodiments, hollow medicament compartment housing 320 may form a hollow capsule, having a greater diameter than capsule 310 and a greater length than capsule 310, such that capsule 310 as well as medicament tablet 302 may be disposed, adjacent one another, within the capsule of medicament compartment housing 320.

As seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, medicament tablet 302 is disposed within and engages housing 31A2 of vibrating ingestible capsule 310, without being actively biased toward the capsule 310. As such, when capsule 310 is in its operative vibration mode, vibration of the capsule 310 affects the tablet 302 as well as the medicament compartment housing 320 surrounding the capsule 310, and promotes absorption of the ingestible medicament from tablet 302 substantially as described hereinabove.

Reference is now additionally made to FIG. 9, which is a schematic flowchart of a method for delivering an ingestible medicament of a medicament tablet into the gastrointestinal tract of user according to the present invention. The method may be based on the use of a device including a vibrating ingestible capsule and a medicament tablet, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8B.

As seen at step 400, a device, such as device 100, 200, or 300 described hereinabove, including a vibrating ingestible capsule and a hollow medicament compartment housing, is provided to a user.

At step 402, the vibrating ingestible capsule and the hollow medicament compartment housing are associated with one another. In some embodiments, step 402 may take place in a factory, prior to providing the device to the user at step 400. In other embodiments, the device may be provided to the user as two separate pieces, namely the ingestible vibrating capsule and the hollow medicament compartment housing, and the user carries out step 402 following receipt of the device at step 400.

In some embodiments, the associating at step 402 includes at least partially attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the associating at step 402 includes fully attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the associating at step 402 includes fixedly attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the associating at step 402 includes removably attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the associating at step 402 includes attaching the medicament compartment housing to the vibrating ingestible capsule by one or more of snap fit engagement, threaded engagement, adhering, soldering, or any other suitable mechanism of attachment.

In some embodiments, the associating at step 402 includes mutually attaching a first attachment mechanism on the vibrating ingestible capsule with a corresponding attachment mechanism on the medicament compartment housing, for example as described with respect to claims 2A to 5B.

In some embodiments, the associating at step 402 includes at least partially enveloping the medicament compartment housing around the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the associating at step 402 includes fully enveloping the medicament compartment housing around the vibrating ingestible capsule.

In some embodiments, the device is provided to the user having the medicament tablet disposed within the hollow medicament compartment housing.

At step 404, the medicament tablet is inserted into the hollow medicament compartment housing. In some embodiments, step 404 may take place prior to associating the ingestible vibrating capsule with the hollow medicament compartment housing, either in a factory or by the user. In other embodiments, step 404 may be carried out following association of the ingestible vibrating capsule with the hollow medicament compartment housing, for example by insertion of the medicament tablet into the hollow via one of the apertures in the hollow medicament compartment housing. The medicament tablet inserted at step 404 may be any suitable type of medicament tablet, as described in detail hereinabove.

At step 406, the device, including the vibrating ingestible capsule, the hollow medicament compartment housing, and the medicament tablet, is ingested by the user, and begins to travel through the gastrointestinal tract of the user.

At step 408, which occurs following the user ingesting the device at step 406, the vibrating ingestible capsule is controlled such that the vibration mode of operation (e.g., when the vibration mode is initiated, a duration of the vibration mode, etc.) at least partially transpire within an absorption time period of the ingestible medicament included in the medicament tablet within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.

The absorption time period may be an estimated absorption time period, as defined herein, and/or an actual absorption time period as defined herein.

In some embodiment, step 408 may include controlling a timing of the vibration mode of operation such that the vibration mode at least partially transpires when the capsule is in a region of the gastrointestinal tract in which the ingestible medicament is typically absorbed into the bloodstream. The region of the gastrointestinal tract may include one or more of the stomach of the user, the duodenum of the user, the small intestine of the user, the large intestine of the user, or the colon of the user.

For example, when the medicament tablet includes the ingestible medicament levadopa, which is typically absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach walls and/or the small intestine walls, the vibration mode at least partially transpires within a time period in which the device traverses, or is expected to traverse, the stomach and small intestine.

In some embodiments, step 408 includes setting at least one vibration parameter of the vibrating ingestible capsule of the device so as to promote absorption of the ingestible medicament into the bloodstream of the user. In some such embodiments, the at least one vibration parameter set at step 408 includes at least one of a vibration frequency, a cumulative vibration duration, a number of vibration cycles per time unit, a duration of a vibration duration within a vibration cycle, a duration of a repose duration within a vibration cycle, a total duration of a single vibration cycle, and a net force exerted by said housing on said environment.

In some embodiments, the controlling at step 408 includes controlling the vibrating agitator such that the vibrating mode of operation includes a plurality of cycles, each of the cycles including a vibration duration followed by a repose duration, wherein the housing exerts the vibrations during the vibration duration.

In some embodiments, the repose duration is greater than the vibration duration.

In some embodiments, the vibration duration is in the range of 0.1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 9 seconds, 2 seconds to 9 seconds, 3 seconds to 9 seconds, 3 seconds to 8 seconds, 3 seconds to 7 seconds, 3 seconds to 6 seconds, 4 seconds to 6 seconds, or 5 seconds to 6 seconds.

In some embodiments, the repose duration is in the range of 1 second to 180 seconds, 3 seconds to 180 seconds, 5 seconds to 180 seconds, 5 seconds to 150 seconds, 5 seconds to 120 seconds, 8 seconds to 100 seconds, 8 seconds to 30 seconds, 10 seconds to 80 seconds, 10 seconds to 70 seconds, 10 seconds to 60 seconds, 10 seconds to 50 seconds, 10 seconds to 40 seconds, 10 seconds to 30 seconds, 10 seconds to 20 seconds, or 15 seconds to 20 seconds.

In some embodiments, a duration of each of the plurality of cycles is in the range of 1.1 seconds to 200 seconds, 5 seconds to 200 seconds, 10 seconds to 200 seconds, 10 seconds to 150 seconds, 10 seconds to 100 seconds, 10 seconds to 80 seconds, 10 seconds to 50 seconds, 10 seconds to 40 seconds, 10 seconds to 30 seconds, 15 seconds to 50 seconds, 15 seconds to 40 seconds, 15 seconds to 30 seconds, or 15 seconds to 25 seconds.

In some embodiments, the controlling at step 408 includes controlling the vibrating agitator such that a cumulative duration of the vibrating mode of operation is in the range of 1 hour to 12 hours, 2 hours to 10 hours, 2 hours to 8 hours, 2 hours to 6 hours, 2 hours to 4 hours, or 2 hours to 3 hours.

In some embodiments, the controlling at step 408 includes controlling the vibrating agitator to exert forces on the housing of the vibrating ingestible capsule, such that a net force exerted by the housing on the environment thereof is in the range of 50 grams force (gf) to 600 gf, 50 gf to 550 gf, 100 gf to 550 gf, 100 gf to 500 gf, 150 gf to 500 gf, 200 gf to 500 gf, or 200 gf to 450 gf.

In some embodiments, the controlling at step 408 includes controlling the vibrating agitator to exert the forces on the housing to attain a housing vibrational frequency within a range of 10 Hz to 650 Hz, 15 Hz to 600 Hz, 20 Hz to 550 Hz, 30 Hz to 550 Hz, 50 Hz to 500 Hz, 70 Hz to 500 Hz, 100 Hz to 500 Hz, 130 Hz to 500 Hz, or 150 Hz to 500 Hz.

In some embodiments, the method may also include step 410, in which the medicament tablet is biased toward the vibrating ingestible capsule. Step 410 may a continuous step, which begins when the medicament tablet is inserted into the hollow medicament compartment housing at step 404, and continues as long as the medicament tablet has not been removed from the hollow medicament compartment housing and has not been fully dissolved. More specifically, step 410 may continuously occur during ingestion of the device by the user at step 406, and in some embodiments during at least part of the duration controlling of the vibrating agitator at step 408.

In some embodiments, the biasing at step 410 includes biasing the medicament tablet by application of pressure along a longitudinal axis of the medicament tablet.

In some embodiments, the biasing at step 410 includes biasing the medicament tablet by application of radial pressure along a perimeter of the medicament tablet.

In some embodiments, and as described in further detail herein, the method may include a further step 412 of transitioning the capsule (from an inoperative state) to an operative state.

The capsule may be pre-programmed with a vibration protocol. This protocol may include, by way of example, a particular or pre-determined activation time following ingestion, in which the capsule is transitioned from an inoperative state to an operative state. In such embodiments, the step 412 may be omitted from the method.

Alternatively or additionally, the capsule may receive an activation input in an active fashion (e.g., from an external controller via RF) or in a passive fashion (e.g., a signal from a sensor to the on-board controller), as described in detail hereinabove. It will be appreciated that step 412, in which the vibrating ingestible capsule is transitioned from the inoperative state to the operative state, may be performed prior to ingestion of the device by the user in step 406, or following such ingestion, for example in the case of external control via RF.

Substantially as described hereinabove, step 412 may be carried out, and the vibrating ingestible capsule may be activated, prior to the user ingesting the capsule at step 406, for example by a signal from the control unit or by the user carrying out an activation motion. In other embodiments, the activation input, and the transitioning of the capsule from being inoperative to being operative, occurs at the time of ingestion or immediately thereafter, for example by sensors sensing a change in the environment of the capsule due to its ingestion, as described at length hereinabove. In yet other embodiments, the transitioning of the capsule at step 412 may include the capsule receiving an activation input which is provided remotely when the capsule is already in the body of the user, for example by remote communication from control module 140.

In some embodiments, a control element of the vibrating ingestible capsule may optionally receive a desired vibration protocol for the user, at an optional step 414. In some embodiments, the programming of the desired vibration protocol at step 414 occurs at the time of manufacturing of the vibrating ingestible capsule or of the device, for example by pre-programming the protocol into the control element. In other embodiments, providing the desired vibration protocol for the user at step 414 may be effected by a control unit, such as control unit 140 of FIG. 1, as described in detail hereinabove with respect to FIG. 1.

It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for delivering an ingestible medicament of a medicament tablet into the gastrointestinal tract of a user, the device including: a vibrating ingestible capsule including: a housing; a vibrating agitator disposed within said housing and adapted such that, in a vibration mode of operation, said housing exerts vibrations on an environment surrounding the vibrating ingestible capsule; a power supply disposed within said housing and adapted to power said vibrating agitator; and a control element adapted to activate said vibrating agitator to be operative in said vibration mode of operation; a hollow medicament compartment housing, associated with said housing, and having at least one aperture formed in said medicament compartment housing; and at least one biasing mechanism adapted, when the medicament tablet is disposed within a hollow of said medicament compartment housing, to bias said medicament tablet toward said housing, wherein said hollow of said medicament compartment housing is dimensioned and configured to have said medicament tablet disposed therein, wherein said at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured to enable fluid communication between an environment surrounding said medicament compartment housing and said hollow, and wherein said at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured such that, when the medicament tablet is disposed within said hollow and said device is in the gastrointestinal tract of the user, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet enters said environment surrounding said medicament compartment housing for delivery thereof to the body of the user, wherein at least one vibration parameter of said vibrating ingestible capsule is set so as to promote absorption of the ingestible medicament into the bloodstream of the user, and wherein said medicament tablet has a maximal dimension of up to 10 mm and a volume of up to 100 mm³.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said control element is adapted to control a timing or activation delay of said vibration mode of operation such that said vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within at least one of an estimated absorption time period and an actual absorption time period of the ingestible medicament released from the medicament tablet within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said vibrating agitator comprises at least a radial agitator adapted, in said vibration mode of operation, to exert radial forces on said housing, in a radial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of said housing, thereby to cause said vibrations exerted by said housing.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said vibrating agitator comprises at least an axial agitator adapted, in said vibration mode of operation, to exert axial forces on said housing, in an axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of said housing, thereby to cause said vibrations exerted by said housing.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured such that said medicament tablet, while whole, cannot be removed from said hollow.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising said medicament tablet including said ingestible medicament.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein said ingestible medicament of said medicament tablet is absorbable in at least one of the stomach of the user and the small intestine of the user.
 8. A method of delivering an ingestible medicament into a gastrointestinal tract of a user, the method comprising: providing to the user the device according claim 6, for ingestion by the user; following the user ingesting said device, controlling said vibrating ingestible capsule such that said vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within at least one of an estimated absorption time period and an actual absorption time period of the ingestible medicament within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.
 9. A method of delivering an ingestible medicament into a gastrointestinal tract of a user, the method comprising: providing to the user the device according to claim 1; inserting into said hollow of said medicament compartment housing said medicament tablet; and following the user ingesting said device having said medicament tablet disposed in said hollow, controlling said vibrating ingestible capsule such that said vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within an estimated absorption time period of the ingestible medicament within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein said hollow medicament compartment housing is exterior to said vibrating ingestible capsule.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one biasing mechanism is adapted, when the medicament tablet is disposed within said hollow of said medicament compartment housing, to constantly and continuously bias said medicament tablet toward said housing.
 12. A method of delivering an ingestible medicament into a gastrointestinal tract of a user, the method comprising: providing to the user the device according to claim 1; inserting into said hollow of said medicament compartment housing said medicament tablet; and following the user ingesting said device having said medicament tablet disposed in said hollow, controlling said vibrating ingestible capsule such that said vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within an actual absorption time period of the ingestible medicament within the gastrointestinal tract of the user.
 13. A device for delivering an ingestible medicament of a medicament tablet into the gastrointestinal tract of a user, the device including: a vibrating ingestible capsule including: a housing; a vibrating agitator disposed within said housing and adapted such that, in a vibration mode of operation, said housing exerts vibrations on an environment surrounding the vibrating ingestible capsule; a power supply disposed within said housing and adapted to power said vibrating agitator; and a control element adapted to activate said vibrating agitator to be operative in said vibration mode of operation; a hollow medicament compartment housing, associated with said housing, and having at least one aperture formed in said medicament compartment housing; and at least one biasing mechanism adapted, when the medicament tablet is disposed within a hollow of said medicament compartment housing, to bias said medicament tablet toward said housing, wherein said hollow of said medicament compartment housing is dimensioned and configured to have said medicament tablet disposed therein, wherein said at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured to enable fluid communication between an environment surrounding said medicament compartment housing and said hollow, and wherein said at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured such that, when the medicament tablet is disposed within said hollow and said device is in the gastrointestinal tract of the user, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet enters said environment surrounding said medicament compartment housing for delivery thereof to the body of the user, wherein said control element is adapted to control a timing or activation delay of said vibration mode of operation such that said vibration mode of operation at least partially transpires within at least one of an estimated absorption time period and an actual absorption time period of the ingestible medicament released from the medicament tablet within the gastrointestinal tract of the user, wherein said medicament tablet has a maximal dimension of up to 10 mm and a volume of up to 100 mm³.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein said at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured to enable insertion of said medicament tablet, via said at least one aperture, into said hollow.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein, in use, said at least one biasing mechanism is adapted to continue biasing the medicament tablet toward said housing, while the ingestible medicament from the medicament tablet is delivered to said environment surrounding said hollow.
 16. The device of claim 13, wherein said at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured such that said medicament tablet, while whole, cannot be removed from said hollow.
 17. A device for delivering an ingestible medicament of a medicament tablet into the gastrointestinal tract of a user, the device including: a vibrating ingestible capsule including: a housing; a vibrating agitator disposed within said housing and adapted such that, in a vibration mode of operation, said housing exerts vibrations on an environment surrounding the vibrating ingestible capsule; a power supply disposed within said housing and adapted to power said vibrating agitator; and a control element adapted to activate said vibrating agitator to be operative in said vibration mode of operation; a hollow medicament compartment housing, associated with said housing, and having at least one aperture formed in said medicament compartment housing, said hollow of said medicament compartment housing having said medicament tablet disposed therein, said medicament tablet having a maximal dimension of up to 10 mm and a volume of up to 100 mm³; and at least one biasing mechanism adapted to bias said medicament tablet toward said housing, wherein said at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured to enable fluid communication between an environment surrounding said medicament compartment housing and said hollow, and wherein said at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured such that, when the medicament tablet is disposed within said hollow and said device is in the gastrointestinal tract of the user, the ingestible medicament of the medicament tablet enters said environment surrounding said medicament compartment housing for delivery thereof to the body of the user, wherein said at least one aperture is dimensioned and configured such that said medicament tablet, while whole, cannot be removed from said hollow.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein said housing of said vibrating ingestible capsule includes an attachment mechanism and said medicament compartment housing includes a corresponding attachment mechanism, for mutual attachment of said vibrating ingestible capsule to said hollow medicament compartment housing.
 19. The device of claim 17, wherein said medicament compartment housing is at least partially attached to said vibrating ingestible capsule.
 20. The device of claim 17, wherein said medicament compartment housing at least partially envelops said vibrating ingestible capsule.
 21. The device of claim 17, wherein said hollow of said medicament compartment housing has a volume in the range of 200 mm³ to 800 mm³. 